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How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last

Mashed potatoes are a great side with many dishes. If you are making a big batch for a gathering or maybe thanksgiving dinner and end up with leftovers it is important to know how long they can last.

In this post, I am going to go over how long they can safely sit out at room temperature, in the refrigerator, and in the freezer. We will also be covering what to look for when you are unsure if your mashed potatoes have spoiled are not.

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a sprig of greens. A few whole potatoes laying near by.

How long do mashed potatoes last? When you store mashed potatoes correctly they can last in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 10-12 months.

Do not leave mashed potatoes sitting out for longer than two hours before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

How long do cooked mashed potatoes last?

How and where you are storing your mashed potatoes will determine how long they will last. Knowing how long mashed potatoes last and how to correctly store them is important so that you do not get food poisoning.

The USDA recommends that all prepared cooked foods never sit out for longer than 2 hours and refrigerate or freeze before the “Danger Zone”.

This is when cooked foods sit out between temperatures of 40°F and 140°F. Between these temperatures is when bacteria grow and the foods become breeding grounds for bacteria.

Starchy foods like potatoes will grow microbes and create bacteria that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Be sure to not keep mashed potatoes sitting at room temperature too long and properly store them to avoid this.

When you mix meats with mashed potatoes it creates an excessive breeding ground for bacteria as it has the meat to grow on as well as the potatoes. If you can, it is best to keep them separate if you plan to save them and reheat them later.

A few things to keep in mind when storing mashed potatoes are how long have they been sitting out? How hot are they? And have they been reheated already before?

How long do mashed potatoes last in the fridge?

Mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when they are stored correctly. You want to make sure that they have cooled to at least 140°F before sticking them into the fridge.

It is also important that they are in a sealed container or covered with plastic wrap to prevent bacteria from entering from other contaminants.

If your storing them in the fridge you should also know how to reheat mashed potatoes.

How long do mashed potatoes last in the freezer?

If you have made mashed potatoes in advance or have leftovers that you want to last you longer than a few days, then storing them in the freezer is another option.

You can freeze potatoes before you mash them as well so that you have them on hand or save your potatoes before they go bad. Learn how to freeze potatoes in my post.

As I always say, “as long as they are stored correctly” then mashed potatoes should last you anywhere between 10 and 12 months in the freezer.

You will want to make sure they are in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent them from freezer burn which will ruin your mashed potatoes.

It is also really important to know how to tell if potatoes are bad. You can find out how in my blog post.

How to properly store mashed potatoes

When you are storing mashed potatoes you want to make sure that they are in a sealed container of some sort. You can you container with a cover or plastic wrap.

This will help keep bacteria from getting introduced to your food while in storage and will also help them from drying out and going bad quickly.

Chart of Mash Potato shelf life

Storage LocationHow Long They Last
Room Temperature2 hours max
Refrigerator3-5 days
Freezer10-12 months

FAQ

Can I eat week-old mashed potatoes?

It is best to eat masked potatoes within 5 days of cooking them. After that, it is best to throw them away as they are more likely to be creating bacteria that can make you sick.

How long do mashed potatoes with sour cream last in the fridge?

Mashed potatoes with sour cream can last in the fridge for up to five days. However, if they start to develop a sour smell, then they have gone bad and should be thrown out.

Is reheating mashed potatoes safe?

Mashed potatoes that have been refrigerated for about 5 days or less can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating mashed potatoes on the stovetop: Place mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Stirring occasionally, and heat until the mashed potatoes are hot all the way through.
Reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave: Place mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat on

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